Thumbs up for French restaurant

A BID to turn a vacant Peacehaven shop into a French restaurant has been welcomed by councillors.

At a Lewes District Council planning committee meeting, in Newhaven, on Wednesday last week, members agreed 163 South Coast Road could be converted into a bistro on the condition it was not used for take-away purposes.

Peacehaven Town Council had recommended the bid be refused due to lack of parking and concerns that the atmosphere of the area was already affected by the strong aroma from the perfume factory next door.

Three letters of objection were received from neighbours complaining about smell, increased traffic, noise and disturbance.

Cllr Gilly Cowdrey said new business would boost the local economy. 'The more new businesses we have the better.'